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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 2/7/2014 9:28 AM, ELHOA wrote:<br>
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<blockquote cite="mid:PTUL1n0111Certo01TUgyc" type="cite">
<pre wrap="">What is a .kml file?
Mike K
Sent from my iPhone
</pre>
<br>
</blockquote>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 2/7/2014 9:28 AM, ELHOA wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote cite="mid:PTUL1n0111Certo01TUgyc" type="cite">
<pre wrap="">What is a .kml file?
Mike K
Sent from my iPhone
</pre>
</blockquote>
A .kml file is a vector data file. "KML" is short for "Keyhole
Markup Language". The .kml standard allows creation of simple GIS
data using a text editor. It is also a language QGIS and Google
Earth understand. I mentioned .kml file explicitly because Google
Earth has the option to save as a compressed kml file, known as a
"KMZ" or .kmz file. QGIS does not support a .kmz but it does read
.kml. The difference could have caused some confusion.<br>
<br>
KML files are mentioned in this context merely to transfer a simple
vector from one program to the next. They are very feature limited.
Shape files, .shp files, are more useful as they contain more data.
Full blown GIS systems use a more sophisticated data source still
like PostGIS/PostGreSQL or some other type Structured Query Database
Language. These SQL based systems allow advanced programming
techniques to be applied to GIS data for specific purposes, ie
statistical analysis. It can get pretty deep.<br>
<br>
If you are looking to be a cartographer then you should buy a good
pair of hip-boots. Thats humor. Got a lifetime to spend on a career?
QGIS and SQL could keep you busy for a long time. There's a QGIS
wiki somewhere that you should begin reading if you are interested.
There is also GIS Stack Exchange where questions are answered.
Self-study of online literature and documentation is a must to be
successful. <br>
<br>
Bon Chance.
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